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Important Scheduling Notes:
Important Scheduling Notes:
Each Musical Gathering follows the same core program structure, while the exact start and end times of the program are intentionally flexible. The Prelude will always open the Gathering, Intermission will remain at the midpoint, and the Postlude will conclude the day. The two main program blocks—the Master Class and Piano Lab—may switch places depending on the schedule and availability of our Guest Artist or presenter.
The complete Musical Gathering will last no more than five hours, and the schedule for each Gathering will be published in advance on the AB Academy of Music website and clearly communicated to students, families, performers, and audience members.
Come for as much of the day as your schedule allows. We value your time and commitment, and while the full Musical Gathering spans approximately five hours, participants and audience members are not expected to attend the entire program. We understand that everyone has other meaningful commitments throughout the day, so please feel welcome to join us for the portions of the Gathering that work best for you. We simply ask that arrivals and departures be made as quietly and unobtrusively as possible, with consideration for performers, presenters, and fellow audience members.
Core Program Structure
Core Program Structure
Prelude | Arrival, Warm-Up & Welcome (30 minutes)
The TMORA Education Center opens 30 minutes before the first event. Performers and audience members are welcome to arrive, settle in, meet one another, and enjoy some informal time together before the program begins.
Piano Lab performers or Master Class participants (whichever block is first) are asked to arrive at this time to check in with Academy staff and have an opportunity to become familiar with the space and try the piano before performing.
Master Class | Learn in Public (1.5 - 2 hours)
The Master Class brings participants together for an in-depth exploration of music, interpretation, technique, and performance with distinguished local and visiting artists.
Active participation is generally reserved for Rising Star participants and is arranged in advance with the approval of the faculty and Artistic Director.
Everyone is encouraged to listen. A master class is not only a lesson for the performer at the piano; it is a shared learning experience in which the entire room can discover new ways of hearing, thinking about, and approaching music.
At the end of Master Class some time can be reserved for question and answer session with the artist. Questions must be submitted in advance, and will be organized and curated by the Academy Faculty.
Intermezzo | Connect, Refresh & Reflect (30 minutes)
This half hour gives performers and audience members time to relax, socialize, enjoy refreshments, and continue conversations sparked by the morning’s performances. Those spending the full day with us are encouraged to bring a lunch and enjoy it during this time.
On selected days, part of this period may also be devoted to an informal Musical Conversation—a short group discussion exploring the theme of the day, performance practice, listening, interpretation, or another topic of shared musical interest.
Piano Lab | Perform, Listen, Experiment (1.5 - 2 hours)
Inspired by the tradition of the conservatory studio class, Piano Lab offers musicians an opportunity to perform for one another in a supportive, attentive setting.
Both Rising Stars and Aspiring Pianists are welcome to participate. The Lab is designed as a place to gain performance experience: to test stage comfort and concentration, perform from memory, explore musical interpretations, and learn how a piece communicates in front of an audience.
Works in progress are welcome; however, performers should bring music that has reached a stage where it can be presented meaningfully from beginning to end. The goal is not perfection, but purposeful performance. Performers may opt in to receive comments or choose to leave performances uncommented.
Advance registration is required so that we can thoughtfully plan the program and give each performer appropriate time.
Audience members are warmly encouraged to attend. Listening is an important part of Piano Lab, and every performer benefits from an engaged and supportive musical community.
Postlude | Musicians in Conversation (up to 1 hour)
The Musical Gathering concludes with an informal Social Hour. Performers, families, teachers, audience members, and guests are invited to stay, meet one another, exchange impressions from the day, continue musical conversations—or simply enjoy each other’s company. No agenda, no performance pressure. Just time to connect with people who enjoy making, learning, and listening to music.
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